CELPIP Speaking Part 8: Describing an Unusual Situation

Goal

Describe a specific, often unusual scene to someone (a friend or family member) who cannot see it. You must paint a vivid picture using high-level vocabulary.

What the Examiner Looks For (Assessment Criteria)

• Grammar (The "Emotional Connection"): To show true interest or feeling in English, you must use the Present Perfect Tense (Have/Has + Past Participle).
  • Simple Past (Cold/Fact): "I didn't see this before." (Sounds robotic/disinterested).
  • Present Perfect (Warm/Interested): "I haven't seen anything like this before!" (Shows excitement/connection).
• Vocabulary (Quality Adjectives): You must replace "Baby English" (Big, Good, Pretty) with "Level 9 Words" (Sizable, Magnificent, Enchanting).
• Structure (The "20-Second Bridge"): Do NOT describe the picture immediately. Spend the first 15-20 seconds building a story to burn time.

Step 1: The Setup (Tone, Story & Grammar)

Goal: Determine your feeling (Love vs. Interest), build the story, and use Present Perfect to sound natural.

A. The "Excitement Check"

• The Prompt: "Whimsical candy playground."
• Your Reaction: Fun/Exciting. → Enthusiastic Tone.

B. The Story Formula (Using Present Perfect)

Instead of starting with "I am here," connect it to the past using Have been.

• Weak (Simple Past/Present): "Hi Sarah. You wanted a park. I found one."
• Strong (Present Perfect): "Hi Sarah. I have been thinking about what you said regarding a new park for the kids, and I think I have finally found the perfect spot."

Drafting Your Opening: "Hi Kathy. I know you have been searching for a unique playground for the kids for months. Well, I am walking through that new park right now, and I haven't seen anything quite like this before!"

Step 2: The Visual Tour (General → Specific)

Goal: Describe the object logically so the listener can visualize it. Do not jump around.

Strategy Table

Use this structure to organize your description.

Step 3: The Closing (The Specific Question)

Goal: You must end the call naturally by asking the specific question found in the prompt.

• Don't just say goodbye. Look at the text at the bottom of the image.
• Example: "Do you think the kids would enjoy playing here, or is it a bit too colorful for them?"

CELPIP Speaking Part 8: Model Answer (Score 9+)

Situation: You are walking through a new neighborhood park and you discover a very whimsical playground designed entirely with a candy theme. Task: Call your friend, Sarah. Describe the playground in detail, specifically the equipment and the decorations, and suggest she bring her children here.

Start of Response:

Hi Sarah. I know you have been searching for a unique place to take the kids for months, and I remember you said you wanted something that really stands out. Well, I am walking through the new neighborhood park right now, and I haven't seen anything quite like this before! Step 1: Story + Present Perfect

You won't believe this, but there is a stunning playground here designed entirely around a candy theme. Tone: Enthusiastic It is quite sizable, so there is plenty of space for the children to run around. Step 2: Overview

The decorations are absolutely enchanting. The entire area is surrounded by a vibrant fence that is shaped like giant, multi-colored candy canes. Step 2: Decorations

In terms of equipment, there is a magnificent play tower in the center shaped like a cupcake, complete with pink frosting on the roof. Step 2: Equipment Leading up to it, there are fascinating stepping stones that look exactly like miniature Oreo cookies. It really is a delightful setup. Step 2: Details

I really think you should bring the kids here this weekend; they would absolutely love it. Step 3: The Suggestion

Universal Templates

Memorize these openers and the Top 4 Adjectives for each category.